More than 10,000 new Omicron cases have been reported in the UK in the highest increase so far - as the number of overall COVID infections exceeded 90,000 for the second day running.

The mayor of London has declared a major incident in the capital over the "huge surge" of Omicron cases and an increase in hospital admissions.

The killing of Star Hobson has "torn our whole family apart" with the reality of the toddler's death having only sunk in after the "traumatic" trial, her auntie has said.

Officials are drawing up plans for two weeks of "circuit breaker" measures after Christmas, which would include a ban on indoor mixing, according to reports.

The UK has reported 10,059 more Omicron cases - three times as many as were recorded yesterday.

An 18-year-old woman and a 13-year-old boy managed to escape a burning building in New York by climbing out a window and scaling down a pipe, video footage has shown.

Aston Villa's Premier League match with Burnley has been postponed due to positive Covid cases in Steven Gerrard's squad.

Officials are drawing up plans for a two-week circuit breaker lockdown after Christmas which would include a ban on indoor mixing, according to reports.

A grieving brother has paid tribute to the "king of the ice cream" after a touching video of his funeral procession, which included 10 ice cream vans playing their jingles, went viral on social media.

London's mayor has said he is "incredibly concerned" about the increase of Omicron cases in the capital.